Sanchez Pockets $90K at TUF 9 Finale

Lightweight contender Diego
Sanchez banked an event-high $90,000 -- including a $45,000 win
bonus -- after his memorable three-round scrap with Clay Guida at
“The Ultimate Fighter 9” Finale on Saturday in Las Vegas, according
to figures released by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Sanchez inched his name to the front of the line of potential
contenders for the UFC lightweight crown, as he eked out a split
decision against the indomitable Guida. He nearly finished the
energetic Chicagoan twice in the first round but let the
opportunities slip by. Guida’s three-fight winning streak grinded
to a halt in defeat, but he brought home $23,000 for his
efforts.

Meanwhile, former UFC lightweight title challenger Joe Stevenson
followed Sanchez on the show’s payout list, as he pocketed $70,000
-- $35,000 win bonus included -- in wake of his unanimous decision
victory over Nate Diaz. The
victory snapped a two-fight losing streak for the 27-year-old
father of four.

Welterweight James Wilks
and lightweight Ross
Pearson, the two latest additions to the list of “The Ultimate
Fighter” winners, earned $16,000 -- $8,000 bonuses included -- in
their respective finals.

Note: These numbers, sent to Sherdog.com by the Nevada State
Athletic Commission, represent disclosed pay only. A portion of
Ciesnolevicz’s pay went to his opponent, Drwal, because of his
failure to meet the 206-pound threshold for light heavyweights.